--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Hole Stars: Puzzle Game" developer_entity: "Moon Active" bundle_id: "com.moonactive.holestars" app_store_id: "6747028173" category: "Puzzle" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Freemium" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-08-03" report_date: "2026-08-04" last_verified: "2026-08-04T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "220000.1.225" total_reviews: 76835 overall_rating: 4.7 sentiment: "Mixed" sentiment_score: 45 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.7 top_praise_theme: "Satisfying core gameplay loop provides an engaging way for players to pass time during short sessions" top_complaint_theme: "Aggressive ad frequency after every level completion disrupts the flow and frustrates long-term players" review_sample_size: 99 total_review_count: 99 analyzed_review_count: 87 data_age_days: 12 momentum_velocity: "active" intelligence_version: 3 tags: ["puzzle", "freemium", "mixed sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "casual", "puzzle", "gamers"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/hole-stars-puzzle-game" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Hole Stars: Puzzle Game Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Puzzle · Freemium - **Signal**: Rating 4.73 · Sentiment Mixed - **Recent focus**: Aggressive ad frequency after every level completion disrupts the flow and frustrates long-term players (top complaint) · Satisfying core gameplay loop provides an engaging way for players to pass time during short sessions (top praise) > **TL;DR:** Hole Stars: Puzzle Game is a puzzle app by Moon Active, rated 4.73/5 by 76.8K users, with Mixed user sentiment (45/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Hole Stars: Puzzle Game shows Mixed sentiment (4.73/5 from 76.8K reviews) - users praise satisfying core gameplay loop provides an engaging way for players to pass time during short sessions but report issues with aggressive ad frequency after every level completion disrupts the flow and frustrates long-term players. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.73/5 (76.8K reviews) | | **User Mood** | Mixed | | **Category** | Puzzle | | **Developer** | Moon Active | | **Pricing** | Freemium | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.7/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 12d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Moon Active - **Category:** Puzzle - **Target Audience:** Casual puzzle gamers seeking short, satisfying, and relaxing gameplay sessions. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Reviewed:** 220000.1.211 - **Report Date:** 2026-08-04 - **Signal Count:** 99 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.7/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 6747028173 - **Bundle ID:** com.moonactive.holestars - **Google Play ID:** com.moonactive.holestars - **Performance Trend:** Mixed - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-08-04 - **Short Description:** Explore different worlds and solve puzzles by swallowing everything in the hole! ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Hole Stars is a casual puzzle game for Android and iOS where players guide a black hole to consume objects within time-limited levels. **Why users hire it:** The game removes the friction of complex strategy, serving players who want a quick, satisfying, and visually simple way to pass time. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Black Hole Growth Mechanic:** Swallow objects to increase hole size, enabling the collection of larger items within levels. - **[Standard] Time-Limited Puzzles:** Levels require clearing objects before a countdown timer expires. - **[Standard] Level Boosters:** Power-ups available to assist in clearing difficult obstacles or tight time constraints. * *User Intent:* Users want to accelerate progress or gain temporary advantages. ## Market Position {#market-position} Hole Stars operates in the competitive casual puzzle category with a 4.68 rating on Android and 4.84 on iOS. The disparity in content ratings (Everyone vs 17+) suggests inconsistent store-level positioning that may confuse this app casual audience. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Freemium - **Tiers:** Free-to-play with ad support, In-app purchases for boosters and items - **Analysis:** Freemium model relies on ad-supported gameplay and IAP-driven progression boosters. ## 🟡 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 87 of 99 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.73/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.8/5 (22.7K ratings) | Android 4.7/5 (54.1K ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Mixed ### Top Praises - **Satisfying core gameplay loop provides an engaging way for players to pass time during short sessions** - **Bright and beautiful graphics keep the visual experience fresh across many different level designs** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Aggressive ad frequency after every level completion disrupts the flow and frustrates long-term players** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Satisfying core black hole mechanic creates immediate, addictive engagement for casual users **Growth Levers:** - Implement a time-carryover mechanic to address top player requests ## Recent Changes (v2 → v3) {#recent-changes} The analysis now incorporates a content rating disparity between platforms and a more critical assessment of the game's long-term retention potential. These updates reflect a shift in focus from initial launch stability to the risks posed by inconsistent store positioning and aggressive monetization. **Overall trend**: Mixed **Compared at**: 2026-08-04 ### High-impact changes - **[Shifted] Content Rating Disparity** (positioning) ### Medium-impact changes - **[Shifted] SWOT Refinement** (swot) - **[Shifted] Outlook Trend** (sentiment) ## What's New - **Latest (v220000.1.211, 2 weeks ago):** Launched Hole Stars, a new arcade-style game featuring level-based black hole consumption and star collection mechanics. ## App Momentum (Active) {#momentum} - Launched Android version 19 days post-iOS. - Ships frequent updates for core mechanics. > **Cadence:** 2 total versions · 1 majors in last 6 months · 0 days since last update · 19 days avg between updates ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Hole Stars: Puzzle Game is a puzzle app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.73/5 rating from 76.8K reviews, it shows mixed user reception. > **Bottom Line:** Transitioning from aggressive ad-gating to a balanced progression model would address the primary churn driver, allowing the satisfying core loop to drive long-term retention rather than immediate ad revenue. **Best for:** Casual puzzle gamers seeking short, satisfying, and relaxing gameplay sessions. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [PIVOT] Reduce ad frequency per level because it is the top-cited churn driver → increase long-term retention ### Outlook: Mixed The casual puzzle market is consolidating, and Hole Stars faces pressure from established titles with more transparent monetization. The current reliance on aggressive ads and gated progression will likely compress the user funnel as the initial novelty of the black hole mechanic fades. - 🔴 Aggressive ad frequency after every level completion disrupts the flow and frustrates long-term players, leading to potential long-term retention decay. - 🔴 Users report: Deceptive marketing complaints regarding unfeatured mechanics misrepresent the game, which risks store-level policy enforcement and user trust erosion. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.73/5 | | Total Reviews | 76.8K | | Sentiment | Mixed (45/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Freemium | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Trend | Mixed | | Outlook | Mixed | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Hole Stars: Puzzle Game** (this app) | 4.73/5 | Mixed | Moon Active | | [スイートホームメイド【スイメド】](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-dmm-games-sweethomemaid) | 4.5/5 | N/A | DMMGAMES | | [12 Locks Funny Pets](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rud-twelvelockspets) | 4.3/5 | N/A | RUD Present | | [15 Puzzle (Game of Fifteen)](https://marlvel.ai/apps/15-puzzle-game-of-fifteen) | N/A/5 | N/A | Sylvain Saurel | | [15 Puzzle Pro](https://marlvel.ai/apps/15-puzzle-pro) | N/A/5 | N/A | Sylvain Saurel | | [2048 Blocks 3D - Merge Numbers](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2048-blocks-3d-merge-numbers) | N/A/5 | N/A | Clogica | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Moon Active - **Website:** [https://www.moonactive.com](https://www.moonactive.com) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lifeatmoonactive) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/moonactive) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/moon-active) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hole-stars-puzzle-game/id6747028173?uo=4) - **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moonactive.holestars&hl=en&gl=us) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.moonactive.com) - **Sources:** Developer website content, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*スイートホームメイド【スイメド】*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-dmm-games-sweethomemaid) (DMMGAMES) · 4.5/5 Rating - [*12 Locks Funny Pets*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-rud-twelvelockspets) (RUD Present) · 4.3/5 Rating - [*15 Puzzle (Game of Fifteen)*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/15-puzzle-game-of-fifteen) (Sylvain Saurel) · N/A Rating - [*15 Puzzle Pro*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/15-puzzle-pro) (Sylvain Saurel) · N/A Rating - [*2048 Blocks 3D - Merge Numbers*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2048-blocks-3d-merge-numbers) (Clogica) · N/A Rating - [*2248 Blast: Merge Puzzle*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2248-blast-merge-puzzle) (Adaric Music) · 4.8/5 Rating - [*2k48 - 4 puzzle modes*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2k48-4-puzzle-modes) (Loop Games) · 3.4/5 Rating - [*2 Player Games: Tic Tac Toe*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2-player-games-tic-tac-toe) (BiBoGames) · N/A Rating - [*3D Match Triple Match Puzzle*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-match-triple-match-puzzle) (Cross Field Inc.) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*3D Unscrew Star*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/3d-unscrew-star) (Brainit Games) · 4.9/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Hole Stars suitable for casual play? Yes, the core black hole mechanic is designed for short, satisfying sessions, though users report that ad frequency can disrupt the flow of play. ### Does Hole Stars contain intrusive ads? Users report that ads appear after every level, which many find excessive and disruptive to the gameplay experience. ### Are there ways to progress without paying? While the game is free-to-play, players report that earning in-game coins is insufficient for advancement, effectively gating progress behind IAP-driven boosters. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.7/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 99 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 12 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/hole-stars-puzzle-game) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.